TIDINGS of the wonderful work of God in the island of Raiatea had traveled far and wide, and had reached the ears of the Commander of H.M.S. "Seringapatam" while on a cruise in the South Seas.
Through the labors of the devoted John Williams, the Gospel had made great headway amongst the islanders. Hundreds had turned to the Lord, amongst whom was Tamatoa, the king, and many of the chiefs.
No doubt amongst the multitudes that assembled from time to time to hear the truths of Christianity propounded, many were influenced by motives that were not of the highest order. But beyond question, numbers were truly converted to God, and by their faithful testimony and changed lives gave evidence of the reality of their profession, King Tamatoa himself was wont to press upon his subjects the need of reality.
“Let not our profession," he said, "be like the bamboo, which, when lighted, blazes most furiously, but leaves no firebrand or charcoal behind for future use.”
But the commander and officers of the "Seringapatam," were inclined to be somewhat skeptical as to the piety and sincerity of the native converts. When, therefore, their ship touched at Raiatea, they went ashore to make inquiries and to judge for themselves of the character of the work.
John Williams, who happened to be on the island at the time of their visit, suggested that the officers should themselves examine the converts. This they proceeded to do. To one house after another they went, putting questions and obtaining answers that convinced them that the erstwhile heathen were sincere and intelligent in their profession of Christianity.
At one house, they asked a man who had formerly been a priest of the idol-worship, “Do you believe the Bible to be the Word of God, and Christianity to be of Divine origin?" The man immediately began to move his fingers and wrists. He then opened and closed his mouth; after which, lifting his leg, he swung it in different directions.
“I have hinges all over me," he replied; “if I wish to handle anything, the hinges in my hands enable me to do it. If I want to utter anything, the hinges to my jaws enable me to say it. If I wish to go anywhere, here are hinges to my legs to enable me to walk.
When I look into the Bible I see there proofs of wisdom which correspond exactly with those which appear in my frame. I conclude therefore that the Maker of my body is the Author of that Book.”
Perhaps, reader, you have never considered how wonderfully your body is made. Any surgeon could tell you of mechanisms and devices in various parts of the human frame that bear irrefutable testimony to the infinite wisdom and consummate skill of the Maker. Those who are familiar with the Bible can in like manner bear witness to its marvelous perfections which speak eloquently and convincingly of its Divine authorship.
Does it not strike you that a being so wonderfully constructed as you are must have been formed to move in a wider orbit than your present one? "You" are more than a mere body. Your body, wonderful piece of workmanship though it be, is but the case that contains the still more valuable contents. "Spirit and soul and body" (1 Thess. 5:23) make up the "YOU" that must live as long as God lives.
Would not true wisdom lead a being like yourself to give more than a passing thought to the question of your future destiny?
And does not a book like the Bible deserve something better at your hands than to be placed upon the shelf in company with other volumes? It is a book that has by its teaching brought sunshine into the lives of untold millions; it has done more than any other book to change the course of history; it has outlived the opposition of centuries; it claims and carries with it an authority that makes rivalry an impossibility; since its advent into the world, it has been the close and constant companion of the best men and women that have lived, and loved, and labored. WHAT IS THAT BOOK TO YOU?
It teaches the way of salvation: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." (Acts 16:31.)
It brings promises, like checks a from the bank of heaven, to the weary and the sinful: "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37.)
It declares that a day of reckoning is coming: “Every one of us shall give account of himself to God." (Rom. 14:12.)
It witnesses to the efficacy of Christ's atonement: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin." (1 John 1:7.)
A thousand other truths are found in the sacred volume; and to sum the whole matter up, it is like a finger-post pointing every reader to Him who is the subject and substance of its teaching, and who alone is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”
May you understand, reader, as the Christian islander of Raiatea did, that the Maker of your being and the Author of the Book are ONE; that the Book is intended to enlighten and command the being; and that the being is only wise when he believes and obeys the Book.
H. P. B.